Designing your home interiors requires a two step approach. In the first place, décor elements need to be in sync with the multiple purposes for which each room will be used. For instance, a living room with open terrace may not only be an entertainment zone for guests but also the preferred place for breakfast. Similarly, bedrooms for children may double up as study areas as well.

While this takes care of the utility aspect, one should also ensure that the décor theme of each room reflects the personality of those occupying it the most. A child who loves automobiles may want a bed shaped like a motor car or the terrace area could have a retractable motorized awning to let the party continue even when it rains for a family that believes in taking weather changes head on.



 Combine elements

You can combine elements like lighting, colours and accessories to give each room a unique look. For instance, the simplest way to make the living room look different is install dimmer switches and see things ‘in a new light’ from evening onwards. Another way to make a statement without much expense is to paint just one wall of a particular room – it could be the living room or your bedroom – in a different, contrasting colour. The television set is usually the focal point of the living room. Just changing its position occasionally can make the entire room look different.


Add candles

Candles are a decorative item that many people forget to use. White ones are the most sophisticated, but grouping coloured candles can create a soft focal point on a dresser or end table. Whenever possible, group candles in odd numbers, because even amounts then to be boring. Try different heights and gather them on a shelf.



 Colour play

The living room need to be designed with special care. Choose lighter and neutral shades for the walls. This makes the room feel more spacious giving a fresh feel. Lighter colours also give you a lot of room for selecting furniture. It also makes it possible to change the furniture easily without changing the colour scheme. With dark colours it is easy to go wrong. Therefore, they should be avoided in small apartments. Even the fabrics for the curtains should be light-coloured. Soothing tones of white like ivory, cream off-white and create an impact by blending it with contrasting tints of furnishing, carpets, rugs and knick-knacks. Add a bright picture or two on the wall and create a visual break.


Showcase arteffacts

Units or cabinets should be avoided as far as possible because they make the room feel cluttered. In case, you want to display some beautiful artefacts set up a glass unit in one corner of the room instead. This will cut the corner making the room look wider and at the same time offer a wonderful display. If the unit is lit with halogen lights from within, it will add to the charm.

If at all you want to keep cabinets or units they should be lower in height so that the room doesn’t look cluttered. Another advisable option is to create well-lit niches in you wall.



 Small experiments

You have ample scope to experiment with a variety of colours and designs when you have a large living room. But when it is a small one, you need to take special care. No matter how big or small is your room area-wise you can add the ‘feel-good’ factor to it by taking a little care while designing it.


Furniture fundamentals


The furniture in your living room should be such that it is aesthetic as well as light weighted. Wrought iron furniture is ideal for small houses since it is also contemporary. Otherwise, one can go for the regular sofas provided that they armless with lower backs.